Illinois-based Lutheran Church Charities’ K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry sends dogs from its nationwide network to disasters across the country when their presence is requested.

The nonprofit organization has 130 dogs in 24 states, said ministry director Richard Martin of Northbrook, Illinois. Of those 130 dogs, four flew to California from the Chicago area, one came from Colorado, one came from Las Vegas and one came from California’s Napa Valley.

“We received the call from Cal Lu early Thursday, and within four hours we had teams on planes and in cars making their way here,” Martin said.

The dogs made it in time to be at Cal Lutheran’s Thursday evening vigil in the campus’ Samuelson Chapel. But with the fast spread of the Woolsey Fire not far away, the dogs made stops at several evacuation shelters, including the one at the Thousand Oaks Teen Center.

“We were on campus the last two days in the midst of that pain and suffering, and we were then directed to the shelters to give those evacuated comfort,” Martin said.

The group intends to stay in the area until early next week, Martin said. The ministry is fueled by donations, and it has created a special fund where people can donate to cover the group’s travel expenses.

Dogs from Lutheran Church Charities have responded to the aftermaths of several mass shootings, including those at Pulse Nightclub in Miami, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, and in Las Vegas at the Route 91 Harvest Festival.

Sharon Flaherty and her 4-year-old golden retriever Jacob responded to all of those shootings. Even though she keeps homes in Illinois and Florida, she’s no stranger to Thousand Oaks. Her son and his family live in Calabasas.

She said she and Jacob have seen a lot of heartache but know that people in pain need the unconditional love dogs can offer.

“You can’t pet a dog without smiling, no matter how much pain or sadness you’re feeling,” Flaherty said. “If we can bring that love to people, that’s mission accomplished.”

The comfort dog ministry is not at all about preaching faith — it’s all about sharing love, Flaherty said.

Flaherty said she isn’t even sure she’ll be able to see her son or his family on this trip to Southern California given how busy they are — they’re already hosting two families displaced by the fire. Either way, they’ll be back for Christmas, she said.

“It would be an added benefit for me,” Flaherty said. “And I know the kids would love to see Jacob.”

Christopher Yee is a reporter for the Pasadena Star-News and San Gabriel Valley Tribune covering cities in the west and central parts of the San Gabriel Valley. He grew up in Monterey Park and studied journalism at East Los Angeles College and UC Berkeley. You may find him at Dodger Stadium or at the Staples Center for L.A. Kings games.